Offensive Coordinator Moves Up To Cougars’ Head Coach

Cameron Higgins has been tapped to take over the Cougar football program, the school revealed last week.

Higgins was a huge contributor to Kaiser’s success over the last two seasons on Rich Miano’s staff, where he served as offensive coordinator. Miano resigned last month after leading Kaiser to a 19-4 record during his two seasons. Last fall, the team won both the OIA and state Division II football titles.

Higgins’ appointment was widely anticipated in the local football community, given his proven success with the team. The Cougars averaged 265 yards and 38.4 points per game last season en route to a 13-1 overall record. Kaiser’s only defeat was a preseason encounter with DI Campbell in week one.

“I’m really excited,” Higgins said. “Rich Miano paved a great path for us. He set the tradition and the culture here. We want to continue with what he did here at Kaiser.”

Higgins’ initial plans are to still call the plays for the Cougar offense. During his own playing days, Higgins starred at Saint Louis before earning All-American honors during a record-setting run as quarterback for Weber State. Higgins’ younger brother Jeremy currently is locked into a battle to be University of Hawaii’s starting quarterback next fall.

“I still want to be able to call the plays, but that can change if it needs to,” he said.

With Higgins already on Kaiser’s staff, he expects a smooth transition to overseeing the entire program. His first move was to retain his entire coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Sola Soliai. “There won’t be much change -

the kids already know what to expect,” he said. “Our staff will be the same.”

Higgins did reveal a new addition, however, as former Kahuku and UH standout Richard Torres will serve as coach of defensive backs. “He’s a great guy and a great friend, and we’re happy to have him on staff,” Higgins said. Torres and

Soliai both live in Laie and will make the long daily commute to Hawaii Kai.

In addition to its on-field success of late, there also is much excitement about the program off-field, as Cougar stadium is expecting to have an artificial playing surface installed within the year.

Kaiser’s stadium also is home field to Anuenue, Kalani and Kaimuki during football season, as well as the Cougars’ own soccer teams.

“The funds already have been appropriated, so that’s exciting,” Higgins said. “The plan is to have the field in before the season or by mid-season.”